8 Healthful Benefits of Eating Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are not only delicious to eat, cost-effective to purchase, and readily available, but also able to offer a variety a healthful reasons to eat them.

Eat grilled, baked, steamed, pureed, or roasted. They are great in salads, stews, or soups.

Here are eight reasons to add more sweet potatoes to the plate:

1 – Carotenoids

Sweet potatoes with its rich orange color are an indicator that it includes a wide range of immunity and eyesight boosting carotenoids, such as beta carotene. Plus, the carotenoids are appreciated for their ability to protect against the early signs of aging and fight off certain cancers. Eating a diet rich in carotenoids-based foods can reduce the risk of certain cancers by nearly 28% compared to those that don’t eat a well-balance diet with fruit and vegetables.

2 – Iron

Iron is plentiful in sweet potatoes. Iron is important for a variety of reasons, including metabolizing protein, improving the immune system, and production of white and red blood cells. Plus, the mineral is essential to have enough energy and not feeling drained.

3 – Magnesium

Sweet potatoes are rich in magnesium, which is helpful for acting as an anti-stress and relaxing mineral. This mineral is essential for several essential health areas, including nerve, muscle, heart, bone, and artery health and function. About 82% of the U.S. population is expected to be deficient in this compound.

4 – Natural sugars

The natural sugars contained in sweet potatoes are able to slowly enter the blood stream which is beneficial for its ability to regulate and balance this source of energy. A slow and natural sugar is less likely to result in issues with weight gain and fatigue.

5 – Potassium

Eat more sweet potatoes to get a great source of potassium which is needed to help maintain the efficiency of nerve signals and regular heartbeat. Potassium has the potential to offer a variety of health benefits, including controlling the kidney function, reducing swelling, and relaxing muscles.

6 – Vitamin B6

Sweet potato is packed with vitamin B6 which is beneficial for its ability to cut the level of homocysteine (non-protein amino acid) in the body. This chemical compound is related to serious health conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, and other degenerative diseases.

7 – Vitamin C

Eating sweet potatoes on a weekly basis can provide a reliable source of vitamin C to help fight-off flu and cold viruses. Plus, this essential vitamin is appreciated for its ability to help with blood cell formation, digestion, tooth formation, and strong bones. Vitamin C is also needed to tighten the skin and let the body handle stress more efficiently. Studies also link this vegetable with fighting off certain cancers.

8 – Vitamin D

A reliable intake of vitamin D is needed to promote overall health and immune system. Vitamin D is easily sourced throughout the summer with everyday exposure to sunlight, but this hormone or vitamin isn’t so readily available in the winter. A vitamin D deficiency is more common out of season. A healthy intake of vitamin D is needed to support thyroid glands, teeth, skin, nerves, heart, and bones.